Bringing my Parachute as a carry-on?
Jul 13, 2005, 2:01 pm
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Jun 2004
Location: New York, NY
Programs: COPP/UAGS SPG Platinum, USAir Gold Hyatt Diamond, Amex Centurion
Posts: 270
Bringing my Parachute as a carry-on?
Forgive me if this isn't the place to post this, I went through the search and didn't find anything related to it.
Anyone on FT a skydiver? I'm just about finishing my AIF course, and close to getting my "A" license. Once I do, I'm going to buy my own gear. One of the biggest reasons I'm getting my license is so that when I travel, I can explore jumping from drop zones around the world. Sure as hell beats a cup of coffee as a wake-up.
That said, was wondering if any other skydivers on FT have had any problems bringing their chutes on as carry-on baggage? A parachute, according to the TSA's guide for acceptable carry-on's, meets all the requirements, and can be brought on the plane and stored in the overhead compartment. Obviously, there's no way I'd ever check my chute, (I hate checking luggage as it is...)
Thoughts on this? Unlike my carry-on bag, it's not something I'd particularly want to have shoved around by some guy trying to fit his 84" rollerbag next to my chute.
Thanks, all...
Anyone on FT a skydiver? I'm just about finishing my AIF course, and close to getting my "A" license. Once I do, I'm going to buy my own gear. One of the biggest reasons I'm getting my license is so that when I travel, I can explore jumping from drop zones around the world. Sure as hell beats a cup of coffee as a wake-up.
That said, was wondering if any other skydivers on FT have had any problems bringing their chutes on as carry-on baggage? A parachute, according to the TSA's guide for acceptable carry-on's, meets all the requirements, and can be brought on the plane and stored in the overhead compartment. Obviously, there's no way I'd ever check my chute, (I hate checking luggage as it is...)
Thoughts on this? Unlike my carry-on bag, it's not something I'd particularly want to have shoved around by some guy trying to fit his 84" rollerbag next to my chute.
Thanks, all...
Jul 13, 2005, 2:05 pm
#2
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: NYC
Programs: UA/HH/Marriott Gold
Posts: 2,467
Damn, and I thought I was overpreparing for flights by bringing my own meals with me from home! 
Don't worry, I'm just teasing. I'm sure there's someone out there who can actually give useful advice, unlike me.
Don't worry, I'm just teasing. I'm sure there's someone out there who can actually give useful advice, unlike me.
Jul 13, 2005, 4:39 pm
#4
Join Date: Jul 2001
Location: London, England.
Programs: BA
Posts: 8,476
Back to the subject in hand !
Carrying your rig is fine but some airlines have been difficult about AADs, especially if you have a Cypres rather than the old spring-loaded cable type. because if it's armed and your aircraft makes a sudden pressurisation adjustment as it descends, the AAD could fire and operate the reserve ! The Cypres also, as you are probably aware, activates with a (very small) explosive charge which upsets some carriers.
Apparently different airlines have different rules, and they are not well publicised. Just call the airline and ask.
http://www.skydivingmagazine.com/ques10.htm#Taking Rigs on Airliners
Carrying your rig is fine but some airlines have been difficult about AADs, especially if you have a Cypres rather than the old spring-loaded cable type. because if it's armed and your aircraft makes a sudden pressurisation adjustment as it descends, the AAD could fire and operate the reserve ! The Cypres also, as you are probably aware, activates with a (very small) explosive charge which upsets some carriers.
Apparently different airlines have different rules, and they are not well publicised. Just call the airline and ask.
http://www.skydivingmagazine.com/ques10.htm#Taking Rigs on Airliners
Jul 13, 2005, 4:44 pm
#5
In memoriam
Join Date: May 2005
Location: DAL
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Posts: 9,803
Originally Posted by WHBM
The Cypres also, as you are probably aware, activates with a (very small) explosive charge which upsets some carriers.
Jul 13, 2005, 7:54 pm
#6
Join Date: Jun 2001
Location: San Diego Area
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This thread reminds me of a cartoon I saw many, many years ago.
The cockpit door is open, and the pilot and co-pilot are non-chalantly walking down the aisle (hands in their pockets, casually whistling, trying to look inconspicuous) toward a rear door on the plane ... with parachutes on their backs.
If I saw someone coming on a plane with a parachute, I would seriously wonder if that person knew something that I didn't ... something that I should know!
The cockpit door is open, and the pilot and co-pilot are non-chalantly walking down the aisle (hands in their pockets, casually whistling, trying to look inconspicuous) toward a rear door on the plane ... with parachutes on their backs.
If I saw someone coming on a plane with a parachute, I would seriously wonder if that person knew something that I didn't ... something that I should know!
Jul 13, 2005, 8:26 pm
#7
Join Date: May 2005
Posts: 317
Parachutes
Skydiving rigs with and without Automatic Activation Devices (AAD) are permitted as a carry-on or as checked luggage.
Typically, a rig will move through the checked luggage or carry-on security screening process without need for physical inspection. However, TSA screeners have a duty to thoroughly inspect any item that raises suspicion. If screeners determine that it is necessary to open a rig for complete inspection, then the owner of the rig must be present and will be allowed to assist. For this reason, skydivers are advised to add at least 30 minutes to the airline's recommended arrival window when traveling with their parachute.
We see many chutes pass through our airport because of Deland skydive center and Titusville dropzone. There has never been a need to open one and Delta allows them on as carry on.
Skydiving rigs with and without Automatic Activation Devices (AAD) are permitted as a carry-on or as checked luggage.
Typically, a rig will move through the checked luggage or carry-on security screening process without need for physical inspection. However, TSA screeners have a duty to thoroughly inspect any item that raises suspicion. If screeners determine that it is necessary to open a rig for complete inspection, then the owner of the rig must be present and will be allowed to assist. For this reason, skydivers are advised to add at least 30 minutes to the airline's recommended arrival window when traveling with their parachute.
We see many chutes pass through our airport because of Deland skydive center and Titusville dropzone. There has never been a need to open one and Delta allows them on as carry on.
Jul 14, 2005, 7:15 am
#9
Original Poster
Join Date: Jun 2004
Location: New York, NY
Programs: COPP/UAGS SPG Platinum, USAir Gold Hyatt Diamond, Amex Centurion
Posts: 270
Thanks!
Originally Posted by Rejuvenated
Boy........I'm one big acrophobic. The image of skydiving already freaks me out! 
The image of skydiving already freaks me out! You'd be surprised, those who were worried about seeing a parachute - the new parachutes (the ones I'm looking at, anyway,) really look more like backpacks with leg straps than parachutes. I doubt you'd even notice...
Photo here: http://www.ranchskydive.com/_forum/0000099c-4.jpg
So like I said, it's doubtful you'd even notice it.
Thanks again for the advice!
Jul 14, 2005, 9:25 pm
#11
Join Date: May 2005
Posts: 317
You should try Titusville dropzone and forget Deland. The Golden knights jump at Titusville and the scene is beautiful, overlooking the Indian River and the Space Center. Deland loses one to many each year, usually it is someone taking to big a risk but Titusville is very safe. Safe travels and jumps. I perfer to stay in the plane but know many who live to jump.